The outrage continues to mount this week among Coast residents after another animal was snared in an animal trap.
A cat on Cochrane Road was caught in a Conibear trap Tuesday and is lucky to be alive. Thankfully, the cat was rescued from the trap and is at the vet's being treated for its injuries, but that is little consolation to the cat's owner or the other residents concerned that their pets, or worse, possibly a child could be the next target.
Conservation officer Dean Miller seized the trap and an investigation is ongoing. No charges have yet been laid against the alleged person or persons responsible for placing the trap, so we have to be careful to pass judgment. But we have one simple question for whoever is responsible - why?
Why would you place a trap in a residential neighbourhood? Why would you want to trap a defenseless cat? Even if that cat was being a nuisance and possibly digging in your property, why not ask your neighbours to take better care of their animal? What if this had not been a cat, but rather a small child? How would you feel if a child was injured by your trap?
These devices are barbaric, plain and simple. And after an incident in April where a Sechelt resident had her dog snared in a leg-hold trap, residents up and down the Coast have been lobbying to ban all traps on the Sunshine Coast.
Our governments have reacted quickly too, which is great to see.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District, unfortunately, can not do much, as provincial law restricts their ability to enact bylaws banning these traps, but they are going to lobby the provincial government at September's Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention for tougher provincial regulations for the Sunshine Coast. And no doubt they will continue to be a voice of support as the Town of Gibsons begins its bylaw process for a ban, with the District of Sechelt not far behind.
We could not think of anything more inhumane and cruel then setting traps to catch defenseless animals. It is our hope that whoever is responsible will be held accountable for their actions. This type of cruelty has to stop.
Be safe, grads
Tonight (June 24) marks the start of grad week here on the Coast with the Class of 2011 from Elphinstone Secondary School taking the stage to get their diplomas and accolades. Monday the Alternative School hands out its honours, followed by Pender Harbour and Chatelech on Tuesday.
This is a wonderful and memorable time for the grads and their family and friends. We want to wish the Class of 2011 all the best and our congratulations for reaching this milestone. Be safe, and celebrate responsibly.
